Maureen Russell

Does Epilobium angustifolium (Rose Bay Willow Herb) Have a Similar Action to the German and American Willow Herbs Which Have Already Been Shown to be Valuable?

Abstract

Epilobium angustifolium (Rose Bay Willow Herb) grows in abundance in the wild and would, if necessary, be very easy to cultivate for medical purposes, if its properties and safety were appropriate to usage.

As much information as possible was acquired on the historical medicinal use of Epilobium angustifolium in this country, in Germany and in America, but no case studies were unearthed. I was fortunate to be appraised of its current medicinal usage by two eminent herbalists, so there is the possibility of a source of case studies in the future. There was more previous scientific research than first imagined and I am able to add to that with research done in the Plant Biology Department, the Scottish Agricultural College, Auchencruive, Ayr, where dried samples of Epilobium angustifolium were distilled and a chromatogram obtained.

The above literature researches were conducted using books, journals, personal communications, abstracts of research work and the internet.

A very exciting aspect of trying to update the usage of Rose Bay Willow Herb was the Goethean Science study weekend on this very plant. Initially, the plan was to do work on the energetics of the plant using personal dowsing and meditations to access the plant spirit, but that was not feasible because it was too late in the year. However, art and science came together at Wiston Lodge, Lanark, and approximately thirty people shared feelings, impressions and insights to give unique and valuable information which was able to be cross-referenced with previously documented facts and laboratory results.

The scientific research indicated that Epilobium angustifolium had properties commensurate with possible medical applications. The majority of the Goethean Science researchers reported favourably in the use of the herb. So hopefully once case studies begin to be compiled with successful outcomes, there may be a case for its re-instatement in dispensaries in the 21st century.